Retinal Tear

The retina is the light-sensitive part of the eye. When it becomes detached it may lose its function, causing blindness. RETINAL DETACHMENT is a medical emergency. Symptoms: Increase in “floaters” or small spots and dull regions of the field of vision. Increase in “flashes” or bright streaks or spots that appear in the field of vision. There is usually no pain. RETINAL TEARS and detachment are frequently treated by laser surgery that tacks down the retina again. In that case it takes 3-5 days before things settle down, 8-10 days before a secure scar has formed, and within 3-4 weeks, people may return to their usual activities. There are other treatments also, such as cryopexy to reattach the retina through tiny scars that unite the retina and the underlying tissue. Operatively a scleral buckle or vitrectomy (surgically opening the eye) and injecting gas to press the retina backward are sometimes necessary. Resumption of yoga can be sooner after laser than the other procedures, but should always follow the opthalmologist’s advice, and await permission. People with untreated retinal tears should stay away from poses that might increase it by moving the eyes in unfavorable ways, such as the Lion, and avoid changes in intraocular pressure in headstand, handstand and even shoulder stand, the plow, and extreme backbends such as Urdhva Dhanurasana. After normal recovery from surgery, there is no question that people can return to all of these poses, but that recovery must be judged and confirmed by the ophthalmologist. There are three causes of RETINAL DETACHMENT: 1. Rhegmatogenous: a tear or break that permits fluid to enter under the retinal pigment epithelium. This is the most common. 2. Tractional: a scar pulls on the retina. (less common) 3. Exudative: fluid forms under the retina, separating it from its base. In this case there are no tears; the cause is usually ophthalmological disease. No BENEFICIAL POSES have been identified. EXPLANATION: People with RETINAL DETACHMENT are at risk of blindness and should seek ophthalmological help at once.